Automotive Brake Hose and Fittings
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4009120020 | 20.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4009220020 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8708998105 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8708995500 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7307290090 | 90.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
๐ Automotive Brake Hose and Fittings (Brake Systems)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Brake Hoses"?
Automotive brake hoses and fittings are critical safety components in the vehicle braking system. In international trade, they are categorized based on material composition (Rubber vs. Metal) and functionality (Hose assembly vs. Fittings/Accessories). Misclassification here is common and dangerous due to significantly different tariff structures.
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction Points:
- If the product is primarily Vulcanized Rubber with attached fittings for braking โ It falls under Chapter 40 (Rubber).
- If the product is primarily Metal (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) acting as a connector/fitting โ It falls under Chapter 73 (Iron/Steel).
- If it is a complete system part made of mixed materials (Rubber/Plastic) specific to auto brakes โ It may fall under Chapter 87 (Vehicles).
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
4009.12.00.20 |
Vulcanized rubber hoses & fittings, for vehicle brakes | Standard rubber brake lines with attachments | โ Rubber (with accessories) |
4009.22.00.20 |
Vulcanized rubber piping/hoses, for specific vehicle brakes | Specialized rubber brake hoses with attachments | โ Rubber (with accessories) |
8708.99.81.05 |
Hoses with fittings for auto brake systems, compatible with Rubber/Plastic | Mixed-material brake hoses (Rubber/Plastic) | โ ๏ธ Rubber/Plastic Mix |
8708.99.55.00 |
Parts/accessories of auto brake systems containing rubber material | General brake system parts containing rubber | โ ๏ธ Contains Rubber |
7307.29.00.90 |
Metal pipe fittings, attachments for auto brake lines | Pure metal connectors/fittings | โ Metal (Steel/Al/Cu) |
๐ Key Reminder:
- Rubber Hoses are classified under 4009. If the hose is vulcanized rubber, it does not matter if it has metal fittings attached; the primary material (rubber) dictates Chapter 40.
- Metal Fittings are classified under 7307 if they are purely metal connectors.
- Mixed Systems: If the item is a complex assembly where rubber and other materials are integral to the brake function, it may fall under 8708 (Vehicle Parts).
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: USA (US)
โ Country of Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Time: Current Tariff Structure (Includes Section 301 & 122 Clause Surcharges)
๐ฏ 1. 4009.12.00.20 & 4009.22.00.20 โโ Vulcanized Rubber Brake Hoses
These codes cover the majority of standard rubber brake hoses.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 7.5% (Code 4009.12) / 25.0% (Code 4009.22) |
| Section 122 Clause Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 20.0% (for 4009.12) / 37.5% (for 4009.22) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร Total Rate |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Applicable (Deemed De Minimis Denial) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base Tariff โ Section 301 โ Section 122 |
๐ Explanation:
- 4009.12.00.20: Lower surcharge (7.5%) results in a 20% total rate. Suitable for standard brake hoses.
- 4009.22.00.20: Higher surcharge (25%) results in a 37.5% total rate. Applies to specific vehicle brake hoses.
- Section 122 (10%): Applies to most Chinese-origin goods unless exempted.
๐ฏ 2. 8708.99.81.05 & 8708.99.55.00 โโ Auto Brake System Parts (Mixed Materials)
These codes apply when the brake hose/fitting is considered a part of the vehicle system with specific material compatibility.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Clause Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 37.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Base Tariff โ Section 301 โ Section 122 |
๐ Note:
- Whether the material is rubber/plastic (8708.99.81.05) or just contains rubber (8708.99.55.00), the total tariff is 37.5%.
- This is significantly higher than the base rate, so accurate material declaration is crucial.
๐ฏ 3. 7307.29.00.90 โโ Metal Pipe Fittings (Steel/Aluminum/Copper)
This code is for purely metal fittings used in brake lines.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Base Metal) OR +50% (Special Metals) |
| Section 122 Clause Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 90.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 90% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Base Tariff โ Section 301 (Higher Tier) โ Section 122 |
๐ Critical Warning:
- Steel/Aluminum/Copper Products: Subject to an additional 50% surcharge under Section 301.
- Total Rate: 5% (Base) + 25% (Standard 301) + 50% (Metal Surcharge) + 10% (122) = 90%.
- This is an extremely high tariff. If the item has any rubber coating or is an assembly, DO NOT classify it here unless it is purely a metal fitting.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (ๅฎๆ้ฟๅๆๅ)
โ 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Have Documents)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state material (e.g., "Vulcanized Rubber," "Stainless Steel"), diameter, pressure rating. |
| โ Product Photos | โ๏ธ | Clear shots of the hose ends, fittings, and any labels. Shows if it's an assembly or separate parts. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must explicitly describe the item as "Brake Hose Assembly" or "Metal Fitting," not just "Hose." |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Detail if items are sold together (assembly) or separately. |
| โ Country of Origin Certificate | โ๏ธ | To verify origin for Section 301/122 application. |
โ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonics)
๐ฅ โRubber is 40, Metal is 73, Mixed is 87, Check 301!โ
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rubber Brake Hose with Metal Fittings | HS 4009.12.00.20 (20% Total) | Declare as Metal Fitting โ 90% Tax! |
| Pure Metal Brake Connector (No Rubber) | HS 7307.29.00.90 (90% Total) | Declare as Rubber Hose โ Risk of Misclassification Penalty |
| Mixed Rubber/Plastic Brake Line | HS 8708.99.81.05 (37.5% Total) | Declare as Rubber Hose (4009) โ Risk of Rejection if material is plastic-heavy |
| Brake Hose Assembly (Complete Unit) | HS 4009.12.00.20 or 8708.99.55.00 | Split Declaration (Hose + Fitting) โ Higher complexity and risk |
โ 3. Special Handling Notes
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | If the hose is rubber but has a steel braided lining, it is still Rubber (Chapter 40). Do not classify as Metal. |
| Pure Metal Fittings | If you are importing only nuts, bolts, or connectors, check if they are Steel, Aluminum, or Copper. Copper/Aluminum may trigger the higher 50% surcharge, leading to the 90% rate. |
| Section 122 Clause | Remember the 10% surcharge applies to almost all these goods from China. It is non-negotiable unless an exemption applies. |
| De Minimis | Do not rely on De Minimis. These goods are explicitly denied de minimis treatment under current US trade laws. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 4009.12.00.20 / 7307.29.00.90 |
20% ~ 90% | Highest rates due to Section 301 & 122. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 4009.12.00.00 / 7307.29.00.00 |
2.5% ~ 5% | Low base tariffs, no US surcharges. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 4009.11.00 / 7307.93.00 |
~0% ~ 4.5% | Generally favorable, no Section 301. |
| ๐ฏ๐ต Japan | 4009.11.00 / 7307.93.00 |
~0% ~ 2.5% | Low tariffs, strong trade agreement potential. |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market for brake hoses/fittings due to the 90% potential rate for metal parts and 20-37.5% for rubber.
- Strategy: If possible, source metal fittings from non-China origins to avoid the 90% rate, or ensure accurate classification to the lower-rate rubber codes (20%) if the product allows.
๐ VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Mistake 1: Declaring a rubber brake hose with metal fittings as Metal Fittings (7307).
๐ Consequence: Tax jumps from 20% to 90%. Massive cost increase.
โ Mistake 2: Declaring pure metal fittings as Rubber Hoses (4009).
๐ Consequence: Customs rejection, penalties, and potential seizure for false declaration.
โ Mistake 3: Ignoring the Section 122 10% Surcharge.
๐ Consequence: Underpayment of duties, leading to audits and back taxes.
โ Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis applies for small shipments.
๐ Consequence: Goods seized or forced to pay full taxes.
โ Correct Approach:
โVulcanized Rubber Brake Hose with Fittings, 12mm Diameter, for Passenger Cars, Made in Chinaโ โ HS 4009.12.00.20
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น โRubber is 20%, Metal is 90%, Donโt Mix Up the Codes!โ
๐น โSection 301 & 122 are Always On, Check the Total Rate!โ
๐ Pro Tip:
If you are importing metal fittings (Steel/Al/Copper), consider if they can be classified under a different HS code that might have a lower surcharge, or source them from Vietnam/Mexico to avoid US Section 301/122 surcharges.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Consult a licensed customs broker to verify the material composition of your brake hoses/fittings.
๐ Accurate Classification = Lower Taxes + Faster Clearance!
โจ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate HS Codes!
๐ผ Your Profit Margin Depends on Every Percent of Tax!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.